NORTHSIDERS can look forward to using a new amenity in their area this year.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe officially opened a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the Royal Canal on North Wall Quay in Dublin’s Docklands at a recent ceremony.
This eagerly awaited bridge will improve the experience of pedestrians and cyclists using the Liffey Campshires.
The bridge provides segregated pathways for cyclists and pedestrians enhancing safety and accessibility for those using this popular route. The National Transport Authority provided funding for the project.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Lord Mayor said the new twin bridge will make journeys safer and more enjoyable for those people who use this busy route.
“This crossing was previously a bottleneck for all traffic using this route and this new bridge is a welcome solution for all users,” he said.
Minister for Finance and Dublin Central TD, Paschal Donohoe, also attended the event.
He said: “If we want to encourage people to use alternative forms of transport and to leave the car at home we must provide the appropriate infrastructure and motivate them to do that.
“These new bridges offer safe access routes for cyclists and pedestrians and builds on the existing pathways for both users along this central location.”
Cyclist and pedestrian activity has increased dramatically in this area in recent years and the Docklands’ population is expected to increase over the coming years with developments under the Strategic Development Zone Plans.
The bridge will also form an integral part of the longer-term Liffey Cycle Way project.
Anne Graham, chief executive of the National Transport Authority, said she was delighted to represent the NTA at the opening of the new bridge.
“Cycling and walking are both sustainable methods of transport that the NTA is dedicated to funding and supporting as part of our commitment to the Climate Action Plan,” said Ms Graham.
“With more pedestrians and cyclists, we can reduce both our carbon footprint and the congestion in our city centre.”
City engineer John Flanagan said: “The new twin bridge has been carefully designed to have minimum impact on the historic Scherzer bridges.
“Each section has distinct individual steel structures, separated from the historic Scherzer bridges, and respects the integrity of the finely crafted quay walls.”
Consultant engineers Roughan O’Donovan carried out the preliminary design to planning stage and Aecom Consulting Engineers carried out the detailed design and construction supervision. Clonmel Enterprises Limited carried out the construction.